HB 1349

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1349

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Authorizing the sale by spirit, beer, and wine licensees of malt liquor in containers that are capable of holding four gallons or more and are registered in accordance with RCW 66.28.200.

Sponsors: Representatives Condotta and Wood.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows restaurants holding a spirits, beer, and wine license to sell kegs of malt liquor.

Hearing Date: 2/23/07

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The Liquor Control Board (Board) issues a number of types of liquor licenses. These include licenses for spirits, beer, and wine restaurants, beer and/or wine restaurants, taverns, grocery stores, and beer and/or wine specialty shops.Kegs (or other containers holding four gallons or more) of malt liquor may be sold in the following establishments:

Beer and/or wine restaurant licensees and tavern licensees: Requires additional license. Allows containers holding four gallons or more.
Grocery Store Licensees: Requires an endorsement issued by the Board. Containers must be smaller than five and one-half gallons.
Beer and/or Wine Specialty Shop Licensees: Requires an endorsement from the Board. Containers must be smaller than five and one-half gallons.

Under keg registration requirements, sellers and purchasers of kegs or other large containers must follow certain procedures. The seller and purchaser must complete a form with information about the purchaser's identity and the address where the keg will be located or consumed. Copies of the registration must be provided to the purchaser, kept by the seller, and be posted near the container. The purchaser must affirm that he or she: (1) is at least 21 years old, (2) will not tamper with the registration form, and (3) will not provide alcohol to a minor. Identification must be placed on the containers for purposes of tracing the purchasers.

Summary of Bill:

With an endorsement from the Board, spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees may sell malt liquor in kegs or other containers capable of holding four or more gallons. The kegs must meet the same registration requirements as kegs sold by other establishments.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.